Juveniles

Juveniles
The municipal court has jurisdiction over juvenile cases filed against juvenile/minor offenders under the age of 17 charged with most Class C Misdemeanors with some exceptions. State law requires juveniles, defined as persons under 17 years of age, to appear in person with a parent or legal guardian. All juveniles are required to appear in open court for all proceedings in their cases. The parent and/or legal guardian of a juvenile charged in municipal court must be present in court with the juvenile.

Juveniles who fail to appear in court may have an additional charge of failure to appear filed against them. Juveniles who fail to appear or who fail to pay their fine will be reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) who will suspend or deny issuance of a driver's license. If a juvenile disobeys a court order, the court may order DPS to suspend or deny issuance of a driver's license or find the child in contempt and assess a fine not to exceed $500, or refer the child to juvenile court for contempt.

Minors
Minors (under 21 years of age) charged with any type of alcohol related offense are required to appear in Court as follows:

Anyone under 17 years of age, must appear in person before the Court and must be accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian

Anyone under 21 years of age, but over 18 years of age, must appear in person before the Court - a parent or legal guardian is not required to appear in court with you